Bird-hit cases soar at Mohali airport

Gaurav Kanthwal

Mohali, July 6

The onset of monsoon spelled trouble for Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport here as incidents of bird hit have increased significantly.

Airport sources said the past week-and-a-half witnessed several flight delays, aborted take-offs, and touchdowns due to the increased bird activity in the area. Officials said such incidents caused major flight safety concerns.

“During monsoon, the wild growth increases around the airport, attracting birds in search of insects and food. It has always been a concern here, but the situation this season is a bit alarming. The flight safety issue is being discussed at various levels. We will soon hold a meeting with the MC and the administration,” said an airport official.

Passengers of the Chandigarh-Ahmedabad flight had a scary experience today as their flight had to return before taking off from the runway, leading to a delay of four hours. The flight scheduled to depart at 11:50 am eventually took off at 4:28pm.

Recounting a harrowing experience, passengers said the Chandigarh-Ahmedabad flight was on the runway and about to take-off when the pilot suddenly applied brakes.

“Luckily, the aircraft remained steady and came to a halt in seconds. It was taken back where the pilot informed the passengers that due to sudden braking, the brakes have been damaged. The passengers were accommodated in the next flight four hours later,” said a Sector 41 resident, around 50 years of age and travelling with his wife and daughter.